Chapter 74

I began the work of building a university.

Hot springs gather people. But, that alone is transient. When people leave, it returns to how it was. But, learning is different.

I looked down at the letters lined up on the desk.

I had already had several prepared. They were for the church, the Royal Capital, and various regions.

“Are the preparations for the messengers complete?”

Marc, who was waiting, answered immediately.

“They are ready.”

“Good.”

I say shortly.

“First is the church. Go through the bishop. The talks will be raised up from there.”

The air wavered slightly.

One of the officials opened his mouth cautiously.

“…Your Highness, for the establishment of a university, I believe appropriate permission is necessary.”

“I know.”

I tapped one of the letters with my finger.

“The authority to grant degrees. The independence of trials. Exemption from taxation.”

I pause after each one.

“We move what can be moved first. The authorization is to make it official.”

I continue further.

“The justification for the university is arranged. ‘A land of recuperation and learning’.”

The officials’ faces change.

“Hot water that heals illnesses. A quiet environment. A land away from turmoil.”

“…Certainly, I believe it is suitable for learning.”

“That’s right. That is why we will make them approve it.”

I declare flatly.

“We push with the King’s name. If that is not enough, we use money too.”

Marc unintentionally raised his face.

“You will go that far?”

I directed my gaze at him.

“A university is not just a building.”

I say quietly.

“It is a device that calls forth people and rights.”

No one interjects.

“Even now, people will probably come. As long as there is a hot spring, the sick and merchants will move.”

I say quietly.

“But, it is different if we have authorization. Scholars will naturally come. Students will come. And, it will become a city.”

The room had fallen completely silent.

Eventually, Marc bowed his head deeply.

“…I will arrange it immediately.”

I nodded.

That afternoon. I was looking at the layout plan for the buildings. A rough map and simple blueprints were spread out on the desk.

“We will use this entire area.”

I indicate it with my finger.

An official strained his eyes.

“…Currently, it is dotted with vacant lots and old buildings.”

“Demolish them.”

It was an immediate reply. For an instant, the air stops.

“I have no intention of adapting to the past. We will remake it into the necessary shape.”

Keeping my eyes dropped on the blueprints, I continued.

“However, reuse the stone and timber.”

Marc opens his mouth.

“What kind of facilities are you considering?”

I raised my gaze.

“Places to live.”

I say concisely.

“Not a place to learn, but first, a place to make them live.”

Bewilderment spreads. I continued.

“Students and teachers alike will come from afar. They cannot make day trips.”

I trace the drawing with my finger.

“Places to sleep, places to eat, places to gather, we consolidate them into one.”

“…Dormitories, is it?”

Marc answered cautiously.

“That’s right. We enclose them. …Sever them from the outside, and make them self-sufficient inside.”

The officials look at each other.

“Is it to make them concentrate on learning?”

“That too, but it is for control.”

It was a quiet voice.

“If they scatter outside, they will cause trouble, drift away, and disappear. But if placed inside, they can be managed.”

No one denies it.

I issue further instructions.

“Bring a bathhouse close as well.”

“…A bathhouse?”

One of the officials muttered.

“The hot spring is the value of this land. We will have them use it as a place to relieve fatigue.”

I pause a beat.

“Station medical officers too.”

“Medical officers…?”

I said matter-of-factly.

“Recuperation and learning. We will cure illnesses, and make it a place where they learn that process.”

The whole picture must have finally connected.

One of the officials let out a breath.

“…Do you intend to make the hot spring resort itself a place of learning?”

I looked slightly at the official.

“Close. That is merely a process. We retain people with learning. If we do that, this land will change.”

Silence.

Eventually, the village head slowly bowed his head.

“…Understood.”

I said finally.

“Give it shape in three months.”

No one said it was impossible.

I did not let them.

“We create the place first.”

I say shortly.

…I have no intention of needlessly wasting time.

I cast my eyes to the hourglass hung near the wall.

The sand has already almost completely fallen.

“…That is all for today.”

I say quietly. The taut air relaxed slightly.

“It must be unaccustomed work.”

I sweep my gaze around.

“But, I am leaving it to you. I am counting on you all.”

No one returned words immediately. However, their spines straightened slightly.

“Use the hot water. It is the advantage of this land. Wash away your fatigue within the same day.”

Finally, I announce.

“We will move tomorrow as well.”

The officials bowed their heads in unison.

“Yes, sir.”

Along with a stir, people begin to move.

Outside, the evening dusk was quietly beginning to spread.

…Finished on time again today. The hot water awaits.

My mouth relaxed slightly.